With the conclusion of the Big Ten’s regular season this weekend, awards season is now in full swing. Our friends over at Talking 10, an independent Big Ten oriented site, got the ball rolling with their first annual batch of individual awards, including some recognition for Penn State linebacker Mike Hull. Hull was named the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year by Talking 10.
Here is what Talking 10 had to say about Hull’s performance in 2014;
Penn State may have struggled to score points, but its defense held up its end of the bargain. They were neck and neck with the Wisconsin defense for the best of the Big Ten and senior linebacker Mike Hull was a big catalyst for that.
He had help thanks to a good defensive line, but Hull made impactful plays all season long. He led the Big Ten with 134 tackles, which was 22 more than the next best player in the league. Additionally, Hull had 10.5 tackles for loss, one interception, three pass break ups, two sacks and a forced fumble.
When you lead the conference in tackles by that much, and rank inside the top 10 nationally in said category it’s a safe bet you’re the best at your position in the league. Hull also has to be credited for his leadership and heart. Take him out of the equation and the whole Penn State defense falls apart if you ask me.
Penn State kicker Sam Ficken had a solid season, but he was edged by Maryland’s Brad Craddock for the Bakken-Andersen Kicker of the Year. Ficken did make my FWAA All-American team though.
You can check out the rest of the award winners via Talking 10.
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